There are only a handful of recordings of "Vexations," and easier to find on CD. Perhaps that is the best medium because a CD can last for 80 minutes. I have some of those recordings, but I'm a fan of Reinbert De Leeuw's recording of "Vexations" which lasts 26 minutes on each side of the album. The music was recorded in 1975, and this edition of the LP was released in 1983. I'm not sure about this, but I suspect that this may be the first recording of "Vexations." It's a work of mystery, with no real notes from Satie, except that it should be played 840 times, and there is no mention or instructions beyond the score itself.
For me, "Vexations" is a haunting yet beautiful piece of music. I love Satie's work, but I think "Vexations" is his masterpiece. Simple, yes, but an exquisite melody that when played over and over again it puts me in a state where I can both think or concentrate on a work of writing (my main occupation) as well as drift off to the melody of "Vexations." One can look at it as a Fluxus aesthetic, or a joke, but the truth is, this is remarkable music. Sometimes a joke can expose the inner-beauty of a work of art.
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